Phase One: Coursework and the Qualifying Exam

PHASE ONE

Coursework in an interdisciplinary core curriculum chosen from DXARTS and partner departments. This will normally be a one to two-year period of study, depending on a student's previous training and accomplishments. Students will devise a course of study in this phase with advice and approval of the primary faculty advisor. Required courses may be waived if the student can demonstrate equivalent knowledge of the subject material. Incoming students must demonstrate that they have equivalent knowledge in the courses listed below or they must take those courses where they are unable to demonstrate such knowledge.

Introduction to Experiments in Digital Video (DXARTS 450)

Digital Sound (DXARTS 460)

Algorithmic Processes in the Arts (DXARTS 430)

Physical Computing (DXARTS 488)

Digital Media Theory (DXARTS 412)

Research Techniques in Digital Arts (DXARTS 505)

In addition, in Phase One students must take at least four courses from the list of 400 and 500 level DXARTS courses approved by faculty advisor.

Required every quarter during Phase One: Research Studio (DXARTS 500). Students will also be encouraged to choose electives from other departments. Total Credit Hours in Phase One: minimum 30.

Qualifying Exam and Critique

Upon completion of the above requirements and no later than the 6th quarter of study students will present a selection of their work done during Phase One to their Critique Committee in the following format:

Written Examination: The written portion of the qualifying examination is two short Field essays (1000 words) designed in consultation with the student's exam committee, which are generally configured as follows:

Field One: on the history and theory of the candidate's mediums of engagement.

Field Two: on the importance of their particular arts practice providing a brief comparative perspective between personal arts philosophy and a broader reflection of current invention, innovation, and experimentation in their areas of engagement.

Research Tools Examination: This examination briefly covers the evolution of the student's new technical knowledge and virtuosity gained since entering the program. It It is the student's opportunity to demonstrate their appetite for invention, technological risk-taking, and successful integration and adaptation of new tools in their arts practice since entering the program.

Oral Examination: The Qualifying Critique is a preliminary oral examination conducted by the student's graduate committee, and constituted by the student in conjunction with the program's Directors. The substance of the meeting is both retrospective and prospective. It includes discussion both of the student's work at DXARTS to that point and of conceptualizations and plans for future directions. The latter should be taken seriously as a preliminary view into the student's dissertation research.

Upon passing the Qualifying Exam, the student continues to work toward the Doctoral Exam for Graduate Candidacy in Phase Two.